The Effect of a Combined Training Program (Aquatic–Trampoline) on Functional Efficiency, Dynamic Balance, and Breaststroke Swimming Performance in Women Aged 45–50 Years

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a combined aquatic and trampoline training program and to investigate its effect on functional efficiency, particularly heart rate recovery after exertion, dynamic balance and breaststroke performance, among female swimmers aged 45–50 years. The researcher employed a single-group experimental design with pre- and post-tests. The sample include eight female swimmers purposively choose from Top Level swimming pool. The training program lasted eight weeks comprising three training sessions per week for a total of 24 sessions. It included both aquatic and trampoline training following a progressive training load principle. Data were gathered using the functional efficiency test (heart rate recovery after exertion) the revised Bass test for dynamic balance and a 50-meter breaststroke performance test. The findings were statistically analyzed using the mean, standard deviation and paired-samples t-test at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The results presented a significant improvement in all research variables. The functional efficiency index increased from (17.00 ± 1.31) to (25.00 ± 1.31), representing a 47.06% improvement. Dynamic balance increased from (35.50 ± 2.45) to (40.50 ± 2.45), a 14.08% improvement. Conversely the time for the 50m breaststroke decreased from (65.25 ± 3.96) seconds to (61.75 ± 4.11) seconds, a 5.36% improvement. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The researcher concluded that combined training (aquatic-trampoline) is an effective training method for improving functional efficiency, dynamic balance and breaststroke performance levels among women swimmers in this age group.